Thousands Share Sexual Harassment Stories With #MeToo Hashtag

Thousands Share Sexual Harassment Stories With #MeToo Hashtag

Thousands of women and men from around the world have been tweeting the hashtag #MeToo today to demonstrate the magnitude of sexual harassment.

It follows numerous actresses, including A-listers Gwyneth Paltrow and Angelina Jolie, making accusations against Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein including rape and sexual assault.

The latest prominent hashtag, #MeToo, has been used hundreds of thousands of times by brave men and women who have been sharing their stories and stressing the importance of addressing sexual violence.

Michaela, who was sexually abused for a couple of years when she was younger, spoke to UNILAD about why she decided to tweet today.

She said:

I think it’s really important because it helps make sexual harassment real.

We have been reading a lot about celebrity women and how they have been affected by sexual harassment and assault lately and I think allowing ‘normal’ people to become involved and relate to those they look up to is a really big step.

I was really nervous about sharing it because I think it’s one of those things you don’t always think about on a daily basis and you get on with your life but when you’re having to confront it, it brings it all to life again.

But I feel relieved and glad I’ve done it now and even just people favouriting my tweet in support is such a good feeling and a weight off my shoulders.

I think most people have been through some form of sexual harassment which is upsetting and the hashtag has shown the huge impact that it has had on everyone’s lives.

Connie Lynn

Connie Lynn, a 22-year-old technology consultant from Indianapolis, also tweeted using the hashtag speaking about the day-to-day sexual harassment she experienced.

Because she doesn’t have a car, Connie walks everywhere and told UNILAD that ‘it is more rare to have a day when I am not catcalled, touched or stalked than to have a day when I am’.

Connie also told me why she believes this topic is suddenly trending on Twitter and how people are responding to it.

She said:

It deeply upsets me the way some people think they can treat women and how easily this mentality is passed from generation to generation or how quickly some people will brush off legitimate concerns about sexually predatory behaviour.

Sadly, I believe that the topic is trending because so many women have been harassed, objectified, or worse and have a story to tell.

These women (and men) are afraid to share their stories because we are often torn down rather than supported.

I haven’t read all of the replies, but my original tweet has a thread of users calling me a coward, attention-seeking, and other insults.

This is why people are afraid to speak up.

Supplied By Andrew

As Connie mentioned, men also experience sexual violence and are often afraid to share their stories.

22-year-old Andrew is one of those men and tweeted using the hashtag #MeToo today writing that ‘we are never alone’.

Experiencing two groping incidents during his time at university, Andrew has always been nervous speaking about this topic and it is solidarity movements such as this one on Twitter which has encouraged him to open up.